Governor Cuomo Urged to Make Wind Power a Priority in 2014

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December 18, 2013, Hauppague NY. Today, Sierra Club and New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), amongst other supporters, delivered the 12,944 signatures they received to the Long Island office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling on the governor to expand and support wind energy in New York.

“This outpouring of public support for wind power demonstrates that New Yorkers are ready for Governor Cuomo to make our state a national wind power leader,” said Sierra Club Organizer David Alicea. “Governor Cuomo can lead us into the 21st century by making a strong commitment on wind energy that will boost our economy, create jobs, and clean up our air.”

The petitions demand that Governor Cuomo make a robust commitment to developing both onshore and offshore wind as part of his 2014 agenda.

The effort was to show that there is strong grassroots support for both on and offshore wind power right here in New York and around Long Island.

New York is way behind their “30% renewable energy by 2015” goal at approximately 12% right now after 9 of the 11 years, including a huge amount of hydropower that is not ever going to expand and existed prior.

Why? There’s no real plan or effort of the scale necessary from NY State to make good on that pledge or pave the way for it to happen.

Sierra Club's David Alicea speaks on the steps of the Duryea New York State Office Bulding in Hauppague NY to Deliver the nearly 13,000 signatures telling the Governor to make onshore and offshore wind a priority for New York

Sierra Club’s David Alicea speaks on the steps of the Duryea New York State Office Bulding in Hauppague NY, to Deliver the nearly 13,000 signatures telling the Governor to make onshore and offshore wind a priority for New York’s clean air and green economy.

Joe Stelling, Environmental Campaign Organizer for NYPIRG said “The state is failing to meet its clean energy goals, but a strong commitment to boosting wind energy production in New York can get us back on track while protecting public health and our environment.”

With proposed projects off of Long Island and LIPA’s recent reorganization, the Governor has a unique opportunity to make New York a leader in 2014.

State Senator Phil Boyle said “Bringing wind power to Long Island will create jobs, boost the local economy, preserve the environment, and we urge Governor Cuomo to promote this important source of power.”

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Assemblyman Steve Englebright said “I encourage my colleagues and the Governor to make meaningful progress in the upcoming legislative session to expand the role of solar and wind in our renewables portfolio” .

“Bringing more wind energy to New York would be a win-win for the environment and especially the local economy,” said New York League of Conservation Voters President Marcia Bystryn.

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